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Pakistan are unlikely to release allrounder Abdul Razzaq for the home series against New Zealand so that he can fulfil his commitment with Middlesex, team officials said. But they added that the gifted player would not be selected for the three-match one-day series against Australia in July.

"The series against New Zealand is extremely crucial to us. We can't release someone as important as Razzaq," the official said. " Contractually, Razzaq can miss 30 to 35 days for Middlesex. We are now working on how to utilize those days," the official said.

Besides the two commitments, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also confirmed participation in a tri-series tournament in Tangiers sometime August. The home is also contemplating hosting a triangular series prior to the ICC Champions Trophy. Australia and New Zealand are likely to be the participating teams.

Razzaq said his top priority was to play for Pakistan. "Representing Pakistan remains my top priority. I will fly to London on May 13 after the second Test against New Zealand ends on May 12," he said. He added that he would like to play in the three one-dayers against Australia but added that he would decide after discussing with John Emburey, the Middlesex coach.

Pakistan manager Yawar Saeed was categorical in saying that Razzaq would not be released for the home series against New Zealand and for the tri-series in Tangiers. "He is free to play in June and July. But we can't spare him when the New Zealanders are here and when the team travel to Morocco," he said.

© Dawn